Crisis management response strategies of small-scale sport event organisations to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic.

Abstract

This study explores the strategies utilised by small-scale sport event organisations to respond to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In doing so, it helps inform future crisis management preparedness in small-scale sport event organisations. Using semi-structured interviews, the crisis management experiences of eight participants from six small-scale UK-based sport event organisations were scrutinised. The interviews focused on a holistic understanding of their pre, during and post pandemic experiences. Three key themes emerged from the data. They were (i) the diversification of revenue streams and reduction of costs; (ii) ensuring a customer centric approach; and (iii) the importance of fostering entrepreneurial and innovative characteristics. The study proposes a framework of effective crisis response strategies to help inform small-scale sport event organisations to better plan, prepare and prevent future crises. Through the theoretical lens of resilience studies, it advances knowledge on the Covid-19 experiences of small-scale organisations in the events industry.